GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

The ocean is the main event here. This seven-hour catamaran trip from Mauritius combines the sandy shores of Ile Plate, the birdlife and beaches of Ilot Gabriel, and snorkeling near Coin de Mire, the dramatic rocky island that rises from the sea. At $70 per person, it offers a full day on the water with a barbecue lunch, drinks, a guide, and several chances to swim.

I especially like the chance to see three very different island settings in one outing, and I like that the trip is built for easy fun with family or friends rather than serious sailing skill. The biggest consideration is comfort: some departures have felt crowded, and the island stops may leave you without shade, food, or water for long stretches.

This is a relaxed, scenic day rather than a carefully narrated history tour. The crew can speak English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic, but the quality of commentary may vary. Bring your own snorkeling gear, plenty of sunscreen, and extra drinking water.

Key points to know before booking

• Ile Plate offers a clear lagoon and broad beach time, with swimming and a chance to get off the boat.
• Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve, known for its beach and nests of the white-tailed tropic bird, called Paille en Queue in Mauritius.
• Coin de Mire is viewed from the sea, not visited on foot. Snorkeling there depends on weather and sea conditions.
• The barbecue is usually served aboard the catamaran, although it may occasionally be served on an island.
• The $70 price covers a full seven-hour outing, including the boat, guide, BBQ lunch, and drinks, but you should carry backup water.
• Crowding can affect the day, especially when several catamarans reach the islands at the same time.

Setting out from Grand Baie toward the North Islands

The trip begins from the beach in the Grand Baie area. You are asked to contact your guide 24 hours before the activity, so confirm the exact meeting point and departure time rather than relying only on the general beach location.

Once aboard, the catamaran carries you north through changing shades of blue. The crossing is part of the pleasure. You are not simply being transported between stops, since the open-water ride gives you long views toward Mauritius and the islands ahead.

I would think of this as a social boat day. You can sit with family, listen to music, watch the water, and move between swimming and beach time. It is not presented as a quiet yacht charter, and the atmosphere can vary by crew and by how full the boat is.

That last point matters. A December departure was described as very crowded, with too little seating once people became hot and tired. If you prefer a calm boat with room to stretch out, this may not be your ideal excursion. If you are happy sharing a catamaran and spending much of the day outside, the crowd may feel like a minor trade-off for the price.

Ile Plate: beach time and a clear lagoon

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is usually the first major island stop. Its appeal is simple: pale sand, open sea views, and a clear lagoon suited to swimming.

You can get off the catamaran and spend time on the beach, then swim in the shallow-looking, crystal-clear water. The island gives you a break from the boat, which is welcome after the initial crossing. It also lets children and less confident swimmers enjoy the day at their own pace.

Do not expect much shade. The beach setting is exposed, and one account of the trip described the lack of shelter as a real problem during a long stop. Pack a hat and use sunscreen before you leave the boat. A towel is also essential, since you may go from the water straight back to the sand or catamaran.

The stop can last close to an hour, and the timing may change with sea conditions. The main practical issue is refreshment. Although drinks are included in the overall package, some island stops have had no water or cold drinks available. I would bring my own refillable bottle and treat the supplied drinks as a bonus, not your only source of hydration.

Ilot Gabriel and its white-tailed tropic birds

The next island stop is Ilot Gabriel, a protected natural area with a beautiful beach and nesting Paille en Queue, the white-tailed tropic bird associated with Mauritius. The island is less about a formal tour and more about being outdoors in a striking setting.

You may spend around an hour or more here, depending on the day’s schedule. The beach is the main draw, and the water offers another chance to swim or snorkel near shore. The description of the trip also points to the island as a good place to relax before returning to the catamaran.

There is no promise of a detailed naturalist talk, so keep your expectations measured. You may get useful explanations from the guide, but the experience is primarily visual and recreational. If spotting birds matters to you, bring patience and keep an eye around the island rather than expecting a dedicated bird-watching session.

The long island stops also shape the rhythm of the day. You may spend nearly two hours away from the catamaran between the two beaches. That sounds generous, but it also means you need to carry what you require. Take water, sun protection, and your swimwear. The only listed items to bring are a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear, but extra water is a sensible addition based on the conditions described.

Snorkeling near the islands

Snorkeling is included near the islands and near Coin de Mire, but the equipment is not clearly supplied. You are specifically advised to bring your own mask and snorkel.

That is important. If you arrive without equipment, you may not be able to make the most of the water stops. The trip is not a guided snorkeling lesson, either. You snorkel on your own, so you should be comfortable in open water and follow the crew’s instructions.

Near the islands, the attraction is the easy contrast between beach and lagoon. You can swim, cool off, and look beneath the surface without turning the outing into a demanding water-sports session. Conditions will determine how clear and enjoyable the water feels on the day.

The planned snorkeling near Coin de Mire is more special, but also less certain. The crew sails as close as possible to the island and may stop for snorkeling if the sea and weather allow. The boat does not land at Coin de Mire, and you do not set foot on it.

Because the island rises like a large mountain from the sea, the approach offers one of the best views of the day. From the catamaran, you see its steep rock face from an angle that is impossible from the beach stops. The open-water setting can feel thrilling, but it also exposes you to wind and swell.

Safety comes first here. In poor conditions, the captain may cancel the snorkeling section or reschedule the trip. The schedule and route can also change because of bad weather or other force majeure conditions. This is not a flaw in the experience, but you should book it knowing that the most anticipated water stop is weather dependent.

The barbecue lunch aboard the catamaran

After time on the islands, a dinghy brings you back to the catamaran when lunch is ready. The usual meal is a barbecue with salad and drinks. In rare cases, lunch may be served on an island instead.

The meal is one of the better reasons to consider the price. A seven-hour boat outing with lunch included can be good value at $70, especially for families and groups who want one simple booking rather than arranging boat time, food, and island visits separately.

Food quality has been described positively, although the service can feel rushed. One account called the food very good, while another found the lunch acceptable but not special. I would expect a practical barbecue meal rather than a long, polished dining experience.

Drinks are the weaker part of the package. Cold drinks may be served early in the day, but ice has not always been available, and the bar may close after one round. This creates a mismatch between the promise of drinks throughout the day and what you may actually receive.

My advice is straightforward: bring your own water and perhaps an extra non-alcoholic drink if allowed by the operator. You will be happier on a hot, exposed beach stop, and you will not have to wait for the bar to reopen.

What the crew and atmosphere may be like

The crew is described as friendly, lively, and entertaining on some departures. That can make a large difference, especially if you are traveling with children. A cheerful crew helps fill the long stretches between islands and keeps the day feeling festive.

The atmosphere is not always consistent. One departure had little entertainment from its own crew, with music from nearby boats providing most of the background. Another had loud music played near the end, apparently to attract attention from people on shore.

That tells you something useful about the style of the trip. This is not a quiet nature cruise with a fixed standard of interpretation. It is a flexible commercial boat outing, and the mood may depend on the captain, crew, group size, and the other boats nearby.

There have also been complaints about a late-arriving captain and tense crew interactions. Those reports do not define every departure, but they are worth keeping in mind if you care strongly about polished service. The overall staff impression can be warm, yet the operation may feel less refined than the scenery.

How crowded conditions affect your day

The North Islands are popular, and multiple catamarans may visit at the same time. One departure encountered around a dozen boats, which changed the feel of the beaches and made the experience less private.

Crowding matters most when you return to the boat. Seating can feel tight, particularly late in the day when everyone is warm, tired, and ready for shade. You may need to be flexible about where you sit and how much personal space you have.

The upside is that the trip remains affordable. Private charters cost more, while this shared catamaran gives you access to the islands, swimming, lunch, and a long day on the water for $70. If your priority is scenery and variety, the crowd may be acceptable. If your priority is silence and space, choose a smaller group option if one is available.

Who will enjoy this seven-hour outing

I would recommend this experience most strongly to families, couples, and groups of friends who want a full day outdoors without complicated planning. Children can alternate between boat time, beach time, and swimming, although adults should keep close watch during water activities.

It also suits visitors who want several types of scenery in one trip. You see open ocean, sandy islands, a clear lagoon, a natural reserve, and the rocky outline of Coin de Mire. The range keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

You should think twice if you need reliable shade, guaranteed snorkeling, quiet service, or a highly detailed account of the islands. The trip can also be tiring if you are sensitive to heat or uncomfortable in crowded boats.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also be ready for schedule changes caused by weather, including a canceled snorkeling stop or a rescheduled departure.

Practical advice for getting better value from the trip

Contact the guide a day before departure and confirm where you should meet on the beach. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and your own snorkeling equipment.

I would add a refillable water bottle, extra water, and a dry bag for phones or small valuables. The supplied drinks may not be available at every point of the day, especially while you are on the islands.

Put on sunscreen before boarding, not after you start feeling the heat. Shade is limited on Flat Island and may also be scarce at Ilot Gabriel.

Keep your expectations flexible. The captain can change the initial program, timing, and duration if conditions at sea make the planned route unsafe. That may mean less snorkeling, a different lunch location, or a changed return time.

The booking terms are useful for uncertain weather plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour is offered with live guiding in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

Should you book the North Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value, all-day Mauritius boat trip with beach stops, swimming, a BBQ lunch, and a chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire. The scenery and family-friendly format are the strongest reasons to go, and the crew may add a lively touch.

Skip it if you want guaranteed snorkeling, plenty of shade, a quiet catamaran, or drinks available on demand. For most people, the best approach is to treat this as a relaxed shared excursion, carry extra water, bring your own snorkeling gear, and accept that weather and crowd levels will shape the day.

At $70, it is a fair deal for the amount of time and variety included. Just remember that the beaches and sea views are the stars, while the service, seating, and lunch presentation may be more basic.

FAQ

How long does the North Islands cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, although timing and the initial program may change because of weather or other force majeure conditions.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The trip includes Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel. It also sails close to Coin de Mire, but you do not land on or walk around Coin de Mire.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling near the islands and near Coin de Mire is included, but the snorkeling is done on your own.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You are advised to bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch with salad is included. In rare cases, lunch may be served on an island rather than on the catamaran.

Are drinks included?

Yes, drinks are listed as included. However, availability may vary during the day, so bringing extra water is wise.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. Your own snorkeling equipment and additional drinking water are also practical choices.

Can the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop be canceled?

Yes. If weather or sea conditions are unsafe, the snorkeling portion may not take place.

What languages are available for the guide?

Guiding is available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.